ERIE — Following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood and platelet donations and ongoing challenges finding new blood donors, the American Red Cross now faces a blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for eligible individuals of all blood types to give now and prevent delays in medical care.
Several local drives are scheduled where people can donate, including one today in St. Marys.
About 450 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week than during a typical week as people across the country celebrated the holiday with activities and travel. This led to about 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed for patients in a single week, causing the Red Cross to now have less than a three-day supply of most blood types available — and less than a two-day supply of type O blood — for patients. At least a five-day supply is desired.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
• Ridgway, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 12, Ridgway Central Hose Co., 30 N. Broad St.
• St. Marys, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Moose Club Lodge, 30 Erie Ave.
• Weedville, 1 to 5 p.m. July 11, Weedville Wesleyan Church, 18945 Bennetts Valley Highway
• Bradford, 1 to 6 p.m. July 16, First Presbyterian Church, 54 E. Corydon St.
• Coudersport, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 18, Coudersport Consistory, 111 E. 2nd St.
• Ulysses, 3 to 8 p.m. July 19, Zion Christian, 835 Route 49
Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment to donate using the Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.
Those interested in hosting a blood drive can learn more and sign up to sponsor a drive this summer by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
